Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Ready for a crave-worthy meal that disappears as fast as it hits the table? These Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos deliver everything you love about classic taquitos, minus the fuss of deep-frying. Imagine tender shredded chicken tossed in a zesty, creamy mixture, rolled up with gooey cheese, and baked until perfectly crispy on the outside. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or entertaining friends on game night, Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos are an easy win, combining comfort food flavors with a fresh twist you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos is refreshingly straightforward, yet each item brings something vital to the party—whether it’s flavor, texture, or that hint of irresistible color when you slice into the finished dish. Gather your ingredients, and prepare for a flavor upgrade to your weeknight rotation.

• Cream Cheese (⅓ cup, 3 oz): The secret to that ultra-creamy filling; use low-fat for a lighter option, but skip fat-free for best results.
• Green Salsa (¼ cup): Adds a punch of tang and gentle heat—choose your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
• Fresh Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): Gives a bright, citrusy pop that wakes up the whole filling.
• Cumin (½ teaspoon): Brings a warm, earthy backbone that plays beautifully with the other spices.
• Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): For that mild heat and smoky depth you crave in Tex-Mex bites.
• Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Lends subtle savory richness without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
• Granulated Garlic (¼ teaspoon): Take your pick between granulated or powder; just a pinch boosts aroma and depth.
• Chopped Cilantro (3 tablespoons): Delivers color, a fresh, herbaceous flavor, and a little crunch in every bite.
• Sliced Green Onions (2 tablespoons): Adds gentle onion flavor and a welcome burst of green.
• Shredded Cooked Chicken (2 cups, 10-12 oz): Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken keeps things fast, but any leftover chicken works well.
• Grated Pepperjack or Jack Cheese (1 cup, about 4 oz): Melts beautifully and brings a creamy kick—pepperjack gives a slight spiciness.
• Soft Taco-Size Tortillas (12): Use your favorite—corn or flour both work, but adjust the warming process so they roll without tearing.
• Kosher Salt: Just a sprinkle over the top for a finishing pop of flavor and a lovely crisp.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: For that crisp, golden-brown exterior without all the grease.

How to Make Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Soften and Whip the Cream Cheese

Start by giving your cream cheese a quick blast in the microwave—about 20 to 30 seconds does the trick. You want it smooth and pliable so it blends effortlessly with the other filling ingredients, creating the luscious, cohesive texture that sets these Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos apart from the rest.

Step 2: Mix in Bold Flavors

Add your green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, granulated garlic, cilantro, and green onions to the softened cream cheese. Stir well to combine. This is where the magic starts! Each ingredient infuses its own pop of color and spice, ensuring every bite of these taquitos sings with vibrant flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Cheese

Next, fold in the cooked, shredded chicken and shredded cheese. Work everything together until you have a thick, creamy, flavor-speckled filling. This dreamy mixture is totally make-ahead friendly—stash it in the fridge until you’re ready to roll!

Step 4: Prepare Your Tortillas

If you’re using corn tortillas, wrap a few at a time in damp paper towels and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds; this softens them and prevents cracking. For flour tortillas, use at room temperature or give them a gentle warm-up if needed. A flexible tortilla is key for rolling up perfect, split-free Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos.

Step 5: Fill and Roll

Spoon about a quarter cup of the filling onto the lower third of each tortilla. Keep the filling away from the edges so it doesn’t leak out while baking. Roll each tortilla up tightly and place seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t touching—this helps each one crisp up beautifully.

Step 6: Spray and Season

Lightly mist each taquito with cooking spray or brush with a whisper of olive oil. Sprinkle with a bit of kosher salt for that special touch. This step is the key to getting golden, crunchy shells in the oven!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated 425°F oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes—timing will vary depending on your oven and tortilla style, so start peeking at the 15-minute mark. When the ends are crisp and brown and you see a little bubbling, you know your Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos are ready to devour. Let them cool slightly before serving. If a bit of filling sneaks out, just nudge it back inside with a spoon.

Step 8: Air Fryer Option

Short on time or love that extra-crispy finish? Pop your filled taquitos in the air fryer at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes, checking at the 6-minute mark. They’ll come out sizzling and golden on the outside, melty on the inside.

How to Serve Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Garnishes

The right garnish adds a flavor boost and turns these taquitos into a showstopper. Sprinkle with a handful of chopped cilantro, thin-sliced green onions, or crumbled queso fresco. Don’t forget bowls of sour cream, zesty guacamole, or a swirl of Lime-Cilantro Ranch for dipping—everyone will have their favorite!

Side Dishes

Pair your Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos with classics like Mexican rice, refried beans or a corn and black bean salad. These sides offer color and contrast, making your meal feel festive and fun whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Stack the taquitos on a colorful platter, fan them out in a circle, or tuck them into a taco stand with all the toppings lined up. For parties, try mini taquitos with toothpicks and a trio of dipping sauces for the ultimate hands-on snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (a big “if” once you taste these!), simply store your cooled Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll retain much of their texture—and warm up beautifully for quick lunches or snacks.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooled taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet to harden, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This step prevents them from sticking together. They’ll last for up to a month, ready for a no-fuss reheat on your busiest days.

Reheating

For best results, reheat taquitos in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes—this brings back that irresistible crispiness. You can also pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes, or use the microwave in a pinch, though the tortillas will be softer. Don’t forget your favorite dips!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and brings plenty of flavor. Just shred it well before mixing into your creamy filling.

Are these taquitos spicy?

The spice level is mild, thanks to the green salsa and pepperjack cheese, but you can adjust up or down. Use milder cheese or salsa if you’re feeding kids, or add a diced jalapeño for extra heat!

What kind of tortillas work best?

Both corn and flour tortillas work in Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos. Corn gives a traditional flavor and extra crunch, while flour tortillas tend to be softer and easier to roll. Use whichever your crew prefers!

Can I prep these ahead of time?

You sure can! Prepare the filling in advance and store in the fridge for up to two days. You can also roll the taquitos, cover with plastic wrap, and keep refrigerated until ready to bake.

How do I make sure my taquitos get crispy?

Don’t skip the light mist of cooking spray or brush of oil before baking—this is the trick to a golden, crunchy exterior. Be sure to bake them seam-side down and use a hot oven!

Final Thoughts

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos are a weeknight hero and a crowd-pleaser rolled into one. All it takes is a handful of simple ingredients and a bit of oven time for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. I can’t wait for you to discover just how addictive these taquitos can be—so grab your tortillas and dive in!

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